A creative date idea that’s cheap, cozy, and full of personality — perfect for family, friends, or date night.
The Cutest Budget-Friendly DIY Pot Painting Night
When my brother and sister came to town for the weekend, I wanted to plan something fun and low-key for all of us to do together. My sister and my wife are both super artsy, and my brother is pretty much down for anything — so a creative little DIY date night felt like the perfect plan.
This idea is family-friendly, but you can totally make it work as a friends’ night in or even a cozy couples’ date. Best part? It’s inexpensive, easy to set up, and so much fun. We already had most of the supplies on hand, so it was practically free!
What You’ll Need 🛠️
🪴 Pots – Terra-cotta pots are super affordable (around $1–$3 at Walmart). We actually scored ours on clearance for just $1 each.
🎨 Acrylic Paint – We’re an artsy bunch, so we already had plenty of paint from previous projects — but you can find inexpensive sets at any craft store.
🖌️ Brushes – Grab a cheap set from Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Amazon, or even the dollar store.
🍽️ Paint Trays – Optional, but they make things easier! You can find these at Dollar Tree or online.
🧼 Plastic Tablecloth – Protect your workspace so you can focus on the fun, not the cleanup.
Step 1: Snack Run (Because Obviously 🍿)
No creative session is complete without snacks. We started our “date” with a quick grocery run to grab all of our guilty-pleasure favorites. (Yes, they were definitely on the unhealthy side — but it’s all about balance, right?)
🎨 Step 2: Get Inspired & Start Painting
Next stop: Pinterest — a.k.a. the black hole of DIY dreams. 💅 We went down the rabbit hole for inspo and, without even planning it, we all gravitated toward the same vibe: greens and soft neutrals. Totally unintentional, totally aesthetic. Of course, you can switch things up if you’re feeling festive — think bold colors for a party, spooky tones for Halloween, or a glam metallic moment for the holidays.
💡 “Pro tip: Set your oven to ‘Keep Warm’ and place pots inside between coats to speed up drying!”
🌱 Step 3: Plant Shopping & Final Touches
When our pots were dry and looking chef’s kiss, we took a quick trip to Home Depot to pick out plants. Everyone chose something different that fit their vibe — and honestly, that part might have been the most fun.
Back home, we potted our new plant babies and admired our creations. It’s so satisfying to see something you made with your own hands become part of your space.
✨ Why I Love This Date Idea
It’s low-effort, low-cost, and high-reward — the trifecta of a perfect DIY night. Plus, you get quality time with your people and a cute piece of home décor at the end.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family night, a creative girls’ night, or a unique date with your partner, this is one of those ideas that always hits. Trust me, you’ll want to make it a tradition.